The latest celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial is a ground-breaking history book that offers an in-depth reflection of two centuries of contributions from African Americans across the state.
The Future Emerges From the Past: Celebrating 200 Years of Alabama African American History and Culture is a 244-page hardcover publication made possible through the corporate support of AT&T Alabama and publishing assistance from Regions Bank.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey said the book chronicles much of what has underwritten the history of Alabama and provides valuable insight for anyone looking for a true historical perspective.
“Although this publication focuses primarily on the contributions of African Americans in Alabama over the past 200 years, this book is essentially about Alabama history,” Mackey said. “Regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, or social status, the people in this book played, and continue to play, integral parts of making Alabama the state it is today.”
Patricia Ford, left, Director of the State Black Archives Research Center & Museum, is part of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. Here, she speaks with Robert Birmingham, right, Executive Vice President from Regions in Montgomery, about the new book.
Birmingham-based Regions, a major corporate supporter of Alabama’s Bicentennial observances, is providing printing and publishing support for the book while working with the state to ensure schools from the Tennessee River Valley to the Gulf Coast are able to share the book with students.
“By making this book available in every school and Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in the state, we can help ensure future generations understand the full scope of what made Alabama what it is today,” said John Turner, Regions President and CEO. “We are committed to advancing education across the communities we serve. This book provides a compelling, impactful, and in-depth understanding of Alabama’s rich, and often turbulent, African American history. It pays tribute to men and women who fought for progress and equality, and it shows how their legacy of standing for what is right can inspire current and future generations.”
The state has set up a website – ALAfricanAmerican.com – where people can learn more about the publication and purchase copies.
Students and educators gathered at the Alabama State Deptartment of Education headquarters in Montgomery to formally unveil the African American history book, which will be provided to schools statewide.
In addition to the new book, Regions also celebrates Black History with its annual History in Motion reception.
This year’s History in Motion honors Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. History in Motion celebrates past, present and future leaders during Black History Month and Beyond.
Hrabowski has been honored by TIME magazine as one of America’s 10 Best College Presidents and has been named one of seven Top American Leaders by The Washington Post and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership.